But while the gap between the world's rich and poor remains a hot global topic, UBS and PwC said billionaire assets are increasingly likely to benefit the needy.

The report said: "Looking further forward, we estimate that $2.4trillion (£1.8trillion) of billionaire wealth will be transferred in the next two decades as billionaires age, with a significant amount going to philanthropic causes."

Three quarters of those who newly became billionaires in 2016 were from China and India, the findings showed.

Billionaire Richard Branson gives a glimpse into a day on his private island called Necker

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